Mobile terminal and controlling method thereof

ABSTRACT

A mobile terminal and controlling method thereof are disclosed, by which restoration and backup operations are performed for the mobile terminal. The present invention includes backing up data for at least one application included in a backup target terminal and restoring the data for the at least one application in a restoration target terminal, the restoring including the performing a basic restoration operation on the data related to the at least one application, determining whether a previously provided restoration error occurs in a data restoring process for a specific application among the at least one or more applications, and performing a restoration operation corresponding to the restoration error in accordance with a result of the determining.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

Pursuant to 35 U.S.C. §119(a), this application claims the benefit ofearlier filing date and right of priority to Korean Application No.10-2012-0002377, filed on Jan. 9, 2012, the contents of which are herebyincorporated by reference herein in their entirety.

FIELD

The present disclosure relates to a mobile terminal, and moreparticularly, to a mobile terminal and controlling method thereof.Although the invention disclosed and exemplified herein is suitable fora wide scope of applications, it is particularly suitable for performingrestoration and backup operations for the mobile terminal.

DISCUSSION OF THE RELATED ART

Generally, terminals can be classified into mobile/portable terminalsand stationary terminals. The mobile terminals can be classified intohandheld terminals and vehicle mount terminals again according topossibility of user's direct portability.

As functions of the terminal are diversified, the terminal isimplemented as a multimedia player provided with composite functionssuch as photographing of photos or moving pictures, playback of music ormoving picture files, game play, broadcast reception and the like forexample.

Moreover, with the recent advent of a smart phone, a program orapplication for a function desired by a user can be individually added.In the past, a program installed by a terminal manufacturer was justusable. Yet, such a current terminal as a smart phone enables a user tosearch for a desired application and to install the found application onthe terminal of the user. Hence, various users are able to implementterminal environments differing from each other in user's terminals,respectively.

SUMMARY

The present disclosure relates to a method of performing complete backupand restoration operations via an access authority for accessingapplication data to back up and restore in a mobile terminal having anopen operating system.

The present disclosure further relates to a method of providing auser-desired optimal backup and restoration environment to prepare forvarious restoration problems that may occur in a backup and restorationprocess.

Features of the invention will be set forth in part in the descriptionwhich follows and in part will become apparent to those having ordinaryskill in the art upon examination of the following or may be learnedfrom practice of the invention. The objectives and other advantages ofthe invention may be realized and attained by the structure particularlypointed out in the written description and claims hereof as well as theappended drawings.

A mobile terminal, which is operated by an open operating system,according to one example embodiment of the present invention may includea controller configured to perform a backup operation and a restorationoperation on the mobile terminal, the controller including anapplication module configured to activate a backup restorationapplication and at least one or more applications and a Linux kernelmodule configured to manage a basic hardware function of the mobileterminal, the Linux kernel module comprising a backup restorationservice unit having an access authority for accessing a file system ofeach of the at least one or more applications, wherein the backuprestoration application accesses the file system of each of the at leastone or more applications and then performs the backup and restorationoperations on data of each of the at least one or more applications.

Preferably, the open operating system may include an Android™ operatingsystem (OS).

Preferably, the backup restoration service unit may be created based onan init.rc file for creating the backup restoration service unit in aninit process of the mobile terminal.

More preferably, a channel socket may be created based on the init.rcfile and the backup restoration application and the backup restorationservice unit may be connected with each other via the created channelsocket.

Preferably, the backup restoration application may back up and restorethe at least one application and a detailed application informationrelated to the at least one application.

Preferably, an access to the file system for a specific applicationamong the at least one or more applications may be granted to each ofthe specific application and the backup restoration service unit only.

Preferably, the mobile terminal may further include a memory configuredto store data backed up by the backup restoration application.

Preferably, the mobile terminal may further include a wirelesscommunication unit configured to transmit the data backed up by thebackup restoration application to an external storage server.

Preferably, the mobile terminal may further include a display unitconfigured to display an indicator window indicating a progress levelfor a backup restoration operation of the backup restorationapplication.

In another example embodiment of the present invention, in performing abackup operation and a restoration operation on a mobile terminaloperated by an open operating system, a method of controlling the mobileterminal according to another example embodiment of the presentinvention may include creating a backup restoration service, which hasan access authority for accessing a file system of each of at least oneor more applications included in the mobile terminal, via an initprocess of the mobile terminal, establishing a channel between thecreated backup restoration service and a backup restoration application,and performing a backup operation and a restoration operation on each ofthe at least one or more applications by the backup restorationapplication, wherein the backup restoration application accesses thefile system of each of the at least one or more applications via thebackup restoration service and then performs the backup and restorationoperations on data of each of the at least one or more applications.

Preferably, the open operating system may include an Android™ operatingsystem (OS).

Preferably, the backup restoration service may be created based on aninit.rc file for creating the backup restoration service in the initprocess.

More preferably, a channel socket may be created based on the init.rcfile and the backup restoration application and the backup restorationservice may be connected with each other via the created channel socket.

Preferably, the backup restoration application may back up and restorethe at least one application and a detailed application informationrelated to the at least one application.

Preferably, an access to the file system for a specific applicationamong the at least one or more applications may be granted to each ofthe specific application and the backup restoration service unit only.

In another example embodiment of the present invention, a method ofcontrolling a mobile terminal according to another embodiment of thepresent invention may include backing up data for at least oneapplication included in a backup target terminal and restoring the datafor the at least one application in a restoration target terminal, therestoring including the performing a basic restoration operation on thedata related to the at least one application, determining whether apreviously provided restoration error occurs in a data restoring processfor a specific application among the at least one or more applications,and performing a restoration operation corresponding to the restorationerror in accordance with a result of the determining.

Preferably, the method may further include displaying an indicatorwindow configured to indicate a process for performing the restorationoperation related to the at least one application.

Preferably, during the determining, a case that the specific applicationinstalled on the backup target terminal does not exist in therestoration target terminal may be determined as the previously providedrestoration error. And, when performing the restoration operation, ifthe previously provided restoration error is determined, the specificapplication may be installed on the restoration target terminal anddetailed application information related to the specific application maybe then restored at a timing point of completing the installation.

More preferably, the specific application may be installed on therestoration target terminal by accessing an external server configuredto store backup data for the at least one application.

Preferably, during the determining, a case that a version of thespecific application previously installed on the restoration targetterminal before the restoration is more recent than that of the specificapplication installed on the backup target terminal may be determined asthe previously provided restoration error. And, in performing therestoration operation, when the previously provided restoration error isdetermined, if the specific application belongs to a preset white list,detailed application information related to the specific application maybe restored in the restoration target terminal. Moreover, in performingthe restoration operation, when the previously provided restorationerror is determined, if the specific application does not belong to thepreset white list, the data for the specific application may not berestored in the restoration target terminal.

Preferably, in the determining, a case that a version of the specificapplication previously installed on the restoration target terminalbefore the restoration is equal to that of the specific applicationinstalled on the backup target terminal may be determined as thepreviously provided restoration error. And, in performing therestoration operation, when the previously provided restoration error isdetermined, the specific application may not be restored in therestoration target terminal but a detailed application information forthe specific application may be restored in the restoration targetterminal.

Preferably, the backup target terminal may manage an applicationrestricted from operating in the restoration target terminal using ablacklist. And, in the determining, if the specific applicationinstalled on the backup target terminal is the application correspondingto the blacklist, the previously provided restoration error may bedetermined. Moreover, during the backup, the application correspondingto the blacklist may not be backed up but information on the blacklistmay be backed up.

More preferably, in performing the restoration operation, if thepreviously provided restoration error is determined, the specificapplication of a version operable in the restoration target terminalfrom an external server may be installed on the restoration targetterminal using the information on the blacklist.

Preferably, the restoration target terminal may include a terminalidentical to the backup target terminal.

Preferably, the restoration target terminal may be configured to operateby a same operating system of a version different from that of thebackup target terminal.

Preferably, the restoration target terminal may include a terminaldifferent from the backup target terminal.

In a further aspect of the present invention, a mobile terminalaccording to an example embodiment of the present invention may includea wireless communication unit receiving a backup information on a backupof data of at least one application of a backup target terminal and acontroller restoring the data for the at least one application, thecontroller performing a basic restoration operation on the data relatedto the at least one application based on the backup information, thecontroller determining whether a previously provided restoration erroroccurs in a data restoring process for a specific application among theat least one or more applications, the controller performing arestoration operation corresponding to the restoration error inaccordance with a result of the determination.

Preferably, the mobile terminal may further include a display unitconfigured to display an indicator window configured to indicate aprocess for performing the restoration operation related to the at leastone application.

Preferably, the controller may determine a case that the specificapplication installed on the backup target terminal does not exist inthe restoration target terminal as the previously provided restorationerror. And, if the previously provided restoration error is determined,the controller may install the specific application and restore detailedapplication information related to the specific application at a timingpoint of completing the installation.

Preferably, the controller may determine a case that a version of thespecific application previously installed on the restoration targetterminal before the restoration is more recent than that of the specificapplication installed on the backup target terminal as the previouslyprovided restoration error. And, when the previously providedrestoration error is determined, if the specific application belongs toa preset white list, the controller may restore a detailed applicationinformation related to the specific application in the restorationtarget terminal. Moreover, when the previously provided restorationerror is determined, if the specific application does not belong to thepreset white list, the controller may not restore the data for thespecific application in the restoration target terminal.

Preferably, the controller may determine a case that a version of thespecific application previously installed on the restoration targetterminal before the restoration is equal to that of the specificapplication installed on the backup target terminal as the previouslyprovided restoration error. And, when the previously providedrestoration error is determined, the controller may not restore thespecific application in the restoration target terminal but may restoredetailed application information for the specific application in therestoration target terminal.

Preferably, the wireless communication unit may receive blacklistinformation as information on an application restricted from operatingin the mobile terminal from the external server. And, if the specificapplication installed on the backup target terminal is the applicationcorresponding to the blacklist information, the controller may determinethe previously provided restoration error. Moreover, if the previouslyprovided restoration error is determined, the controller may install thespecific application of a version operable in the mobile terminal fromthe external server on the mobile terminal using the blacklistinformation.

It is to be understood that both the foregoing general description andthe following detailed description are exemplary embodiments and areintended to provide further explanation of the invention as claimed.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The accompanying drawings, which are included to provide a furtherunderstanding of the invention and are incorporated in and constitute apart of this application, illustrate various example embodiment(s) ofthe invention and together with the description serve to explain theprinciple of the invention. In the drawings:

FIG. 1 is a block diagram of a mobile terminal according to one exampleembodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 2 is a diagram of a structure of Android™ platform as an openoperating system;

FIG. 3A is a diagram for an access scheme via a backup restorationapplication according to a related art;

FIG. 3B is a diagram for an access scheme via a backup restorationapplication according to an example embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 4 is a schematic diagram of a process for a backup restorationapplication to access data via a backup restoration service according toan example embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 5 is a schematic flowchart for a terminal data backup andrestoration method according to an example embodiment of the presentinvention;

FIG. 6 is a schematic diagram of a process for establishing a channelbetween a backup restoration service and a backup restorationapplication via a socket according to an example embodiment of thepresent invention;

FIG. 7 is a flowchart for a detailed case related to a restorationoperation via backup restoration application according to an exampleembodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 8 is a diagram of an indicator window related to a restorationoperation according to an example embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 9 is a diagram for a 1^(st) case of a restoration error occurrenceaccording to an embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 10 is a diagram for a 2^(nd) case of a restoration error occurrenceaccording to an example embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 11 is a diagram for a 3^(rd) case of a restoration error occurrenceaccording to an example embodiment of the present invention; and

FIG. 12 is a diagram for a 4^(th) case of a restoration error occurrenceaccording to an example embodiment of the present invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Reference will now be made in detail to the various example embodimentsof the present invention which are illustrated in the accompanyingdrawings. Wherever possible, the same reference numbers will be usedthroughout the drawings to refer to the same or like parts. The suffixes‘module’ and ‘unit’ for the elements used in the following descriptionare given or used in common by considering facilitation in writing thisdisclosure only but fail to have meanings or roles discriminated fromeach other.

First of all, mobile terminals described in this disclosure can includea mobile phone, a smart phone, a laptop computer, a digital broadcastterminal, a PDA (personal digital assistants), a PMP (portablemultimedia player), a navigation system and the like.

Except a case applicable to a mobile terminal only, it is apparent tothose skilled in the art that the configurations according to an exampleembodiment described in this disclosure is applicable to such astationary terminal as a digital TV, a desktop computer and the like.

FIG. 1 is a block diagram of a mobile terminal according to one exampleembodiment of the present invention.

Referring to FIG. 1, a mobile terminal 100 according to one exampleembodiment of the present invention includes a wireless communicationunit 110, an A/V (audio/video) input unit 120, a user input unit 130, asensing unit 140, an output unit 150, a memory 160, an interface unit170, a controller 180, a power supply unit 190 and the like. FIG. 1shows the mobile terminal 100 having various components, but it isunderstood that implementing all of the illustrated components is not arequirement. Greater or fewer components may alternatively beimplemented.

In the following description, the above elements of the mobile terminal100 are explained in sequence.

First of all, the wireless communication unit 110 typically includes oneor more components which permits wireless communication between themobile terminal 100 and a wireless communication system or networkwithin which the mobile terminal 100 is located. For instance, thewireless communication unit 110 can include a broadcast receiving module111, a mobile communication module 112, a wireless internet module 113,a short-range communication module 114, a position-location module 115and the like.

The broadcast receiving module 111 receives a broadcast signal and/orbroadcast associated information from an external broadcast managingserver via a broadcast channel.

The broadcast channel may include a satellite channel and a terrestrialchannel.

The broadcast managing server generally refers to a server whichgenerates and transmits a broadcast signal and/or broadcast associatedinformation or a server which is provided with a previously generatedbroadcast signal and/or broadcast associated information and thentransmits the provided signal or information to a terminal. Thebroadcast signal may be implemented as a TV broadcast signal, a radiobroadcast signal, and a data broadcast signal, among others. If desired,the broadcast signal may further include a broadcast signal combinedwith a TV or radio broadcast signal.

The broadcast associated information includes information associatedwith a broadcast channel, a broadcast program, a broadcast serviceprovider, etc. And, the broadcast associated information can be providedvia a mobile communication network. In this case, the broadcastassociated information can be received by the mobile communicationmodule 112.

The broadcast associated information can be implemented in variousforms. For instance, broadcast associated information may include anelectronic program guide (EPG) of digital multimedia broadcasting (DMB)and electronic service guide (ESG) of digital video broadcast-handheld(DVB-H).

The broadcast receiving module 111 may be configured to receivebroadcast signals transmitted from various types of broadcast systems.By nonlimiting example, such broadcasting systems include digitalmultimedia broadcasting-terrestrial (DMB-T), digital multimediabroadcasting-satellite (DMB-S), digital video broadcast-handheld(DVB-H), the data broadcasting system known as media forward link only(MediaFLO®) and integrated services digital broadcast-terrestrial(ISDB-T). Optionally, the broadcast receiving module 111 can beconfigured suitable for other broadcasting systems as well as theabove-explained digital broadcasting systems.

The broadcast signal and/or broadcast associated information received bythe broadcast receiving module 111 may be stored in a suitable device,such as a memory 160.

The mobile communication module 112 transmits/receives wireless signalsto/from one or more network entities (e.g., base station, externalterminal, server, etc.). Such wireless signals may represent audio,video, and data according to text/multimedia message transceivings,among others.

The wireless internet module 113 supports Internet access for the mobileterminal 100. This module may be internally or externally coupled to themobile terminal 100. In this case, the wireless Internet technology caninclude WLAN (Wireless LAN) (Wi-Fi), Wibro (Wireless broadband), Wimax(World Interoperability for Microwave Access), HSDPA (High SpeedDownlink Packet Access), etc.

The short-range communication module 114 facilitates relativelyshort-range communications. Suitable technologies for implementing thismodule include radio frequency identification (RFID), infrared dataassociation (IrDA), ultra-wideband (UWB), as well at the networkingtechnologies commonly referred to as Bluetooth and ZigBee, to name afew.

The position-location module 115 identifies or otherwise obtains thelocation of the mobile terminal 100. If desired, this module may beimplemented with a global positioning system (GPS) module.

Referring to FIG. 1, the audio/video (A/V) input unit 120 is configuredto provide audio or video signal input to the mobile terminal 100. Asshown, the A/V input unit 120 includes a camera 121 and a microphone122. The camera 121 receives and processes image frames of stillpictures or video, which are obtained by an image sensor in a video callmode or a photographing mode. And, the processed image frames can bedisplayed on the display unit 151.

The image frames processed by the camera 121 can be stored in the memory160 or can be externally transmitted via the wireless communication unit110. Optionally, at least two cameras 121 can be provided to the mobileterminal 100 according to environment of usage.

The microphone 122 receives an external audio signal while the portabledevice is in a particular mode, such as phone call mode, recording modeand voice recognition. This audio signal is processed and converted intoelectric audio data. The processed audio data is transformed into aformat transmittable to a mobile communication base station via themobile communication module 112 in case of a call mode. The microphone122 typically includes assorted noise removing algorithms to removenoise generated in the course of receiving the external audio signal.

The user input unit 130 generates input data responsive to usermanipulation of an associated input device or devices. Examples of suchdevices include a keypad, a dome switch, a touchpad (e.g., staticpressure/capacitance), a jog wheel, a jog switch, etc.

The sensing unit 140 provides sensing signals for controlling operationsof the mobile terminal 100 using status measurements of various aspectsof the mobile terminal. For instance, the sensing unit 140 may detect anopen/close status of the mobile terminal 100, relative positioning ofcomponents (e.g., a display and keypad) of the mobile terminal 100, achange of position of the mobile terminal 100 or a component of themobile terminal 100, a presence or absence of user contact with themobile terminal 100, orientation or acceleration/deceleration of themobile terminal 100. As an example, consider the mobile terminal 100being configured as a slide-type mobile terminal. In this configuration,the sensing unit 140 may sense whether a sliding portion of the mobileterminal is open or closed. Other examples include the sensing unit 140sensing the presence or absence of power provided by the power supply190, the presence or absence of a coupling or other connection betweenthe interface unit 170 and an external device. And, the sensing unit 140can include a proximity sensor 141.

The output unit 150 generates outputs relevant to the senses of sight,hearing, touch and the like. And, the output unit 150 includes thedisplay unit 151, an audio output module 152, an alarm unit 153, ahaptic module 154, a projector module 155 and the like.

The display unit 151 is typically implemented to visually display(output) information associated with the mobile terminal 100. Forinstance, if the mobile terminal is operating in a phone call mode, thedisplay will generally provide a user interface (UI) or graphical userinterface (GUI) which includes information associated with placing,conducting, and terminating a phone call. As another example, if themobile terminal 100 is in a video call mode or a photographing mode, thedisplay unit 151 may additionally or alternatively display images whichare associated with these modes, the UI or the GUI.

The display module 151 may be implemented using known displaytechnologies including, for example, a liquid crystal display (LCD), athin film transistor-liquid crystal display (TFT-LCD), an organiclight-emitting diode display (OLED), a flexible display and athree-dimensional display. The mobile terminal 100 may include one ormore of such displays.

Some of the above displays can be implemented in a transparent oroptical transmittive type, which can be named a transparent display. Asa representative example for the transparent display, there is TOLED(transparent OLED) or the like. A rear configuration of the display unit151 can be implemented in the optical transmittive type as well. In thisconfiguration, a user is able to see an object in rear of a terminalbody via the area occupied by the display unit 151 of the terminal body.

At least two display units 151 can be provided to the mobile terminal100 in accordance with the implemented configuration of the mobileterminal 100. For instance, a plurality of display units can be arrangedon a single face of the mobile terminal 100 in a manner of being spacedapart from each other or being built in one body. Alternatively, aplurality of display units can be arranged on different faces of themobile terminal 100.

In case that the display unit 151 and a sensor for detecting a touchaction (hereinafter called ‘touch sensor’) configures a mutual layerstructure (hereinafter called ‘touchscreen’), it is able to use thedisplay unit 151 as an input device as well as an output device. In thiscase, the touch sensor can be configured as a touch film, a touch sheet,a touchpad or the like.

The touch sensor can be configured to convert a pressure applied to aspecific portion of the display unit 151 or a variation of a capacitancegenerated from a specific portion of the display unit 151 to an electricinput signal. Moreover, it is able to configure the touch sensor todetect a pressure of a touch as well as a touched position or size.

If a touch input is made to the touch sensor, signal(s) corresponding tothe touch is transferred to a touch controller. The touch controllerprocesses the signal(s) and then transfers the processed signal(s) tothe controller 180. Therefore, the controller 180 is able to knowwhether a prescribed portion of the display unit 151 is touched.

Referring to FIG. 1, a proximity sensor (not shown in the drawing) canbe provided to an internal area of the mobile terminal 100 enclosed bythe touchscreen or around the touchscreen. The proximity sensor is thesensor that detects a presence or non-presence of an object approachinga prescribed detecting surface or an object existing around theproximity sensor using an electromagnetic field strength or infrared raywithout mechanical contact. Hence, the proximity sensor has durabilitylonger than that of a contact type sensor and also has utility widerthan that of the contact type sensor.

The proximity sensor can include one of a transmittive photoelectricsensor, a direct reflective photoelectric sensor, a mirror reflectivephotoelectric sensor, a radio frequency oscillation proximity sensor, anelectrostatic capacity proximity sensor, a magnetic proximity sensor, aninfrared proximity sensor and the like. In case that the touchscreenincludes the electrostatic capacity proximity sensor, it is configuredto detect the proximity of a pointer using a variation of electric fieldaccording to the proximity of the pointer. In this case, the touchscreen(touch sensor) can be classified as the proximity sensor.

In the following description, for clarity, an action that a pointerapproaches without contacting with the touchscreen to be recognized aslocated on the touchscreen is named ‘proximity touch’. And, an actionthat a pointer actually touches the touchscreen is named ‘contacttouch’. The meaning of the position on the touchscreen proximity-touchedby the pointer means the position of the pointer which verticallyopposes the touchscreen when the pointer performs the proximity touch.

The proximity sensor detects a proximity touch and a proximity touchpattern (e.g., a proximity touch distance, a proximity touch duration, aproximity touch position, a proximity touch shift state, etc.). And,information corresponding to the detected proximity touch action and thedetected proximity touch pattern can be outputted to the touchscreen.

The audio output module 152 functions in various modes including acall-receiving mode, a call-placing mode, a recording mode, a voicerecognition mode, a broadcast reception mode and the like to outputaudio data which is received from the wireless communication unit 110 oris stored in the memory 160. During operation, the audio output module152 outputs audio relating to a particular function (e.g., callreceived, message received, etc.). The audio output module 152 is oftenimplemented using one or more speakers, buzzers, other audio producingdevices, and combinations thereof.

The alarm unit 153 is output a signal for announcing the occurrence of aparticular event associated with the mobile terminal 100. Typical eventsinclude a call received event, a message received event and a touchinput received event. The alarm unit 153 is able to output a signal forannouncing the event occurrence by way of vibration as well as video oraudio signal. The video or audio signal can be outputted via the displayunit 151 or the audio output unit 152. Hence, the display unit 151 orthe audio output module 152 can be regarded as a part of the alarm unit153.

The haptic module 154 generates various tactile effects that can besensed by a user. Vibration is a representative one of the tactileeffects generated by the haptic module 154. Strength and pattern of thevibration generated by the haptic module 154 are controllable. Forinstance, different vibrations can be outputted in a manner of beingsynthesized together or can be outputted in sequence.

The haptic module 154 is able to generate various tactile effects aswell as the vibration. For instance, the haptic module 154 generates theeffect attributed to the arrangement of pins vertically moving against acontact skin surface, the effect attributed to the injection/suctionpower of air though an injection/suction hole, the effect attributed tothe skim over a skin surface, the effect attributed to the contact withelectrode, the effect attributed to the electrostatic force, the effectattributed to the representation of hold/cold sense using an endothermicor exothermic device and the like.

The haptic module 154 can be implemented to enable a user to sense thetactile effect through a muscle sense of finger, arm or the like as wellas to transfer the tactile effect through a direct contact. Optionally,at least two haptic modules 154 can be provided to the mobile terminal100 in accordance with the corresponding configuration type of themobile terminal 100.

The projector module 155 is the element for performing an imageprojector function using the mobile terminal 100. And, the projectormodule 155 is able to display an image, which is identical to orpartially different at least from the image displayed on the displayunit 151, on an external screen or wall according to a control signal ofthe controller 180.

In particular, the projector module 155 can include a light source (notshown in the drawing) generating light (e.g., laser) for projecting animage externally, an image producing means (not shown in the drawing)for producing an image to output externally using the light generatedfrom the light source, and a lens (not shown in the drawing) forenlarging to output the image externally in a predetermined focusdistance. And, the projector module 155 can further include a device(not shown in the drawing) for adjusting an image projected direction bymechanically moving the lens or the whole module.

The projector module 155 can be classified into a CRT (cathode ray tube)module, an LCD (liquid crystal display) module, a DLP (digital lightprocessing) module or the like according to a device type of a displaymeans. In particular, the DLP module is operated by the mechanism ofenabling the light generated from the light source to reflect on a DMD(digital micro-mirror device) chip and can be advantageous for thedownsizing of the projector module 151.

Preferably, the projector module 155 can be provided in a lengthdirection of a lateral, front or backside direction of the mobileterminal 100. And, it is understood that the projector module 155 can beprovided to any portion of the mobile terminal 100 according to thenecessity thereof.

The memory unit 160 is generally used to store various types of data tosupport the processing, control, and storage requirements of the mobileterminal 100. Examples of such data include program instructions forapplications operating on the mobile terminal 100, contact data,phonebook data, messages, audio, still pictures, moving pictures, etc.And, a recent use history or a cumulative use frequency of each data(e.g., use frequency for each phonebook, each message or eachmultimedia) can be stored in the memory unit 160. Moreover, data forvarious patterns of vibration and/or sound outputted in case of a touchinput to the touchscreen can be stored in the memory unit 160.

The memory 160 may be implemented using any type or combination ofsuitable volatile and non-volatile memory or storage devices includinghard disk, random access memory (RAM), static random access memory(SRAM), electrically erasable programmable read-only memory (EEPROM),erasable programmable read-only memory (EPROM), programmable read-onlymemory (PROM), read-only memory (ROM), magnetic memory, flash memory,magnetic or optical disk, multimedia card micro type memory, card-typememory (e.g., SD memory, XD memory, etc.), or other similar memory ordata storage device. And, the mobile terminal 100 is able to operate inassociation with a web storage for performing a storage function of thememory 160 on Internet.

The interface unit 170 is often implemented to couple the mobileterminal 100 with external devices. The interface unit 170 receives datafrom the external devices or is supplied with the power and thentransfers the data or power to the respective elements of the mobileterminal 100 or enables data within the mobile terminal 100 to betransferred to the external devices. The interface unit 170 may beconfigured using a wired/wireless headset port, an external chargerport, a wired/wireless data port, a memory card port, a port forcoupling to a device having an identity module, audio input/outputports, video input/output ports, an earphone port and/or the like.

The identity module is the chip for storing various kinds of informationfor authenticating a use authority of the mobile terminal 100 and caninclude User Identify Module (UIM), Subscriber Identify Module (SIM),Universal Subscriber Identity Module (USIM) and/or the like. A devicehaving the identity module (hereinafter called ‘identity device’) can bemanufactured as a smart card. Therefore, the identity device isconnectible to the mobile terminal 100 via the corresponding port.

When the mobile terminal 110 is connected to an external cradle, theinterface unit 170 becomes a passage for supplying the mobile terminal100 with a power from the cradle or a passage for delivering variouscommand signals inputted from the cradle by a user to the mobileterminal 100. Each of the various command signals inputted from thecradle or the power can operate as a signal enabling the mobile terminal100 to recognize that it is correctly loaded in the cradle.

The controller 180 typically controls the overall operations of themobile terminal 100. For example, the controller 180 performs thecontrol and processing associated with voice calls, data communications,video calls, etc. The controller 180 may include a multimedia module 181that provides multimedia playback. The multimedia module 181 may beconfigured as part of the controller 180, or implemented as a separatecomponent.

Moreover, the controller 180 is able to perform a pattern recognizingprocess for recognizing a writing input and a picture drawing inputcarried out on the touchscreen as characters or images, respectively.

The power supply unit 190 provides power required by the variouscomponents for the mobile terminal 100. The power may be internal power,external power, or combinations thereof.

Various example embodiments described herein may be implemented in acomputer-readable medium using, for example, computer software,hardware, or some combination thereof. For a hardware implementation,the embodiments described herein may be implemented within one or moreapplication specific integrated circuits (ASICs), digital signalprocessors (DSPs), digital signal processing devices (DSPDs),programmable logic devices (PLDs), field programmable gate arrays(FPGAs), processors, controllers, micro-controllers, microprocessors,other electronic units designed to perform the functions describedherein, or a selective combination thereof. Such embodiments may also beimplemented by the controller 180.

For a software implementation, the embodiments described herein may beimplemented with separate software modules, such as procedures andfunctions, each of which perform one or more of the functions andoperations described herein. The software codes can be implemented witha software application written in any suitable programming language andmay be stored in memory such as the memory 160, and executed by acontroller or processor, such as the controller 180.

Compared to the conventional portable devices, a recent terminalachieves considerable development and becomes capable of performingvarious functions used to be performed by a computer. To keep up withsuch development, the recent terminal starts to be loaded with aterminal operating system (OS) like a computer operating system, whichis not loaded on the conventional portable devices. In particular, typesof terminals are diversified by depending on what kind of terminaloperating system is loaded thereon, which causes advantages ordisadvantages to each of the terminals. And, an application installableon a terminal may vary in accordance with an operating system of theterminal.

So far, the terminal operating systems may be mainly categorized intoiOS™ loaded on iPhone™, Android™ OS loaded on Android™ Phone, WindowsMobile™ OS loaded on Windows Mobile™ Phone, Blackberry™ OS by RIM™,Symbian™ OS by Nokia™, Bada™ OS by Samsung™ and the like in accordancewith terminal manufacturers.

Alternatively, the terminal operating systems may be categorized by anopen operating system or a closed operating system. In particular, theopen operating system is not created for the commercial purpose, itssource codes are open to the public free of charge, and everyone isallowed to participate in improving or creating the open operatingsystem. On the contrary, the closed operating system is created for thecommercial purpose, its source codes are not open to the public free ofcharge, and authorized persons are only allowed to participate inimproving or creating the closed operating system. For example, Android™OS, Symbian OS and the like belong to the category of the open OS.

In the following description, various example embodiments are explainedwith reference to an open operating system for a terminal. For clarityand convenience of the following description, an Android™ operatingsystem is taken as an example of the open operating system. Yet, it isapparent to those skilled in the art that the present invention isapplicable to other open operating systems.

FIG. 2 is a diagram of a structure of Android™ platform as an openoperating system.

Referring to FIG. 2, Android™ platform 200 is created on the basis ofAndroid™ OS. The Android™ platform 200 is the software stack or mobileoperating system that contains an operating system for such a portabledevice as a mobile terminal, a mobile phone and the like, a middle warefor the portable device, a user interface, a standard applicationprogram (e.g., a web browser, an email client, a short message service(SMS), a multimedia message service (MMS), etc.) and the like. TheAndroid™ enables a developer to create an application program with Java™Language and provides a runtime library for driving byte codes. And, theAndroid™ provides various tools required for developing applicationprograms and application program interfaces (API) via Android™ softwaredevelopment kits (SDK).

The Android™ operates on Linux kernel and includes C/C++ libraries usedfor various Android™ system configuration elements. The Android™ isconfigured to execute Java™ application program in a separate processvia Dalvik virtual machine different from a conventional Java virtualmachine.

The Android™ platform 200 may be mainly divided into 4 parts as follows.

First of all, a 1^(st) layer includes a Linux kernel 240 in charge of anH/W and internal memory management, a process management and anetworking management. Through the Linux kernel 240, the Android™platform 200 may correctly operate in H/W.

A 2^(nd) layer includes a library layer 230 constructed by C or C++ andprovides a function to use H/W for a terminal. For representativeexample of the library layer 230, there are a graphic library forgraphic implementation and a media codec for video playback. And, DalVikVM, which is the runtime for activating Java™ application, is installedon the Android™ platform 200.

A 3^(rd) layer includes an application framework layer 220 that providesfunctions required for creating Android™ applications. The applicationframework layer 220 provides API (application programming interface).And, an Android™ application developer may be able to implementnecessary functions using the API.

And, a 4^(th) layer includes a most upper application layer 210, inwhich applications used by a user are arranged. If an applicationdeveloper distributes an application, the distributed application isincluded in the 4^(th) layer and may have a position equivalent to thatof a basic Google™ application installed on a terminal as a default.

In the following description, a backup and restoration method in aterminal having Android™ OS (hereinafter abbreviated Android™ OSterminal) is explained.

First of all, a terminal having a plurality of open operating systemsincluding Android™ OS and the like provides a backup and restorationfunction to safely protect a plurality of data installed on theterminal.

In general, a backup and restoration method in the Android™ OS terminalmay be performed in a manner of activating a backup restorationapplication. Various functions can be performed via a plurality ofapplications installed on the Android™ OS terminal and the backuprestoration application may be included in a plurality of theapplications.

In case of activating a backup restoration application, a target to bebacked up and restored in the backup restoration application is selectedand the corresponding target files or applications are saved in a 3^(rd)storage place (e.g., an external server, an external storage device,etc.) or a memory. Thereafter, in case that the backup content needs tobe restored or installed again on the Android™ OS terminal, it may beable to restoration by activating a backup restoration application basedon the saved backup content.

When a backup restoration process is performed by activating the backuprestoration application, backup targets may include applicationsinstalled on the terminal, detailed application information related toeach of the applications, configuration informations on applicationsarranged or sorted in the terminal, and the like.

For instance, assume that a text application, a call application and agame application are installed on a terminal. On this assumption, if abackup restoration application is activated, data of each of the text,call and game applications is saved. In this case, data of various textsexchanged with a plurality of counterpart terminals, which are thedetailed application informations related to the text application, canbe saved in an external storage device by the backup restorationapplication. And, informations on calls with a plurality of counterpartterminals, which are the detailed application informations related tothe call application, can be saved in an external storage device by thebackup restoration application. Moreover, loading status informationrelated to a progress level of each game, which is the detailedapplication information related to the game application, can be saved inan external storage device by the backup restoration application.

In the Android™ terminal, applications can be variously edited on abackground image, whereby the edited applications can be displayed on adisplay unit of the terminal in various arrangement forms. And,configuration information related to this arrangement state may be savedin an external device by the backup restoration application.

The data or informations saved by the backup restoration application maybe restored in the same terminal or a terminal of a different versionautomatically or user-selectively.

Meanwhile, the detailed application information is saved in the memory160, and more particularly, in a file system separate from thecorresponding application due to a software structure. And, an authorityof access to the detailed application information saved in the filesystem may be granted to the application related to the correspondingdetailed application information only. For instance, detailed callapplication information related to a call log may be read and saved in amanner of being accessed by the call application only.

Basically, in the backup restoration process, a backup restorationapplication is not allowed to access detailed application information ofanother application. Hence, even if the backup restoration applicationperforms the backup restoration process, it may be unable to completelyrestore the detailed application information. Exceptionally, a programhaving a root authority of accessing all applications may be only ableto access detailed application information on a specific application.

In case that an authority of accessing detailed application informationon a different application is granted to a specific application, sinceit may be vulnerable to hacking, the root authority is not normallygranted to an individual application.

Therefore, in order to exactly back up and restore all data installed ona terminal, i.e., a corresponding application, detailed applicationinformation and configuration information, at a user-specific level viaa backup restoration application, it may be requested to use a rootauthority for accessing a different application.

According to an example embodiment of the present invention, in order toperform a backup restoration process via a backup restorationapplication, a backup restoration service having a root authority isloaded in advance and the backup restoration application is then enabledto perform the backup and restoration in a manner of accessing adetailed application information on an individual application.

FIG. 3A is a diagram for an access scheme via a backup restorationapplication according to a related art. And, FIG. 3B is a diagram for anaccess scheme via a backup restoration application according to anexample embodiment of the present invention.

Referring to FIG. 3A, each application 301 may be able to accessdetailed application information 302 on the corresponding applicationbut a backup restoration application 303 for the backup of thecorresponding application is unable to access the detailed applicationinformation. Hence, even if the backup and restoration is completed, thedetailed information on the corresponding application may not berestored.

Referring to FIG. 3B, each application 301 may be able to accessdetailed application information 302 on the corresponding applicationbut a backup restoration application 303 for the backup of thecorresponding application is still unable to access the detailedapplication information in direct. Yet, according to an exampleembodiment of the present invention, the backup restoration application303 checks the detailed application information 302 via a backuprestoration service 304 having a root authority instead of directlyaccessing the detailed application information 302 and may be then ableto back up and restore the corresponding information.

In particular, according to an example embodiment of the presentinvention in association with FIG. 3B, a detailed applicationinformation, which is not accessible by a backup restoration applicationaccording to a related art, on each application is accessed via a backuprestoration service having a root authority for the correspondingapplication and the corresponding information can be backed up andrestored.

FIG. 4 is a schematic diagram of a process for a backup restorationapplication to access data via a backup restoration service according toan example embodiment of the present invention.

Referring to FIG. 4, a plurality of applications including a 1^(st)application 211, a 2^(nd) application 212 and a backup restorationapplication 213 exist in an application layer 210 of an Android™platform.

In particular, the 1^(st) application 211 is able to freely read andsave a file #1 412 in a file system 410 by accessing the file #1 412 asa detailed application information on the 1^(st) application 211. And,the 2^(nd) application 212 is able to freely read and save a file #2 414in the file system 410 by accessing the file #2 414 as a detailedapplication information on the 2^(nd) application 212. Yet, as mentionedin the foregoing description, an authority for directly accessing eachof the detailed application informations 452 and 454 is not granted tothe backup restoration application 213 for the backup and restoration ofeach of the 1^(st) application 211 and the 2^(nd) application 212.

When the mobile terminal 100 according to an example embodiment thepresent invention performs the backup restoration application 213, thebackup restoration application 213 may be able to access the file system410 via a backup restoration service 242 of a Linux layer 240 and may bethen able to back up and restore the detailed application informations412 and 414.

FIG. 5 is a schematic flowchart for a terminal data backup andrestoration method according to an example embodiment of the presentinvention.

Referring to FIG. 5, the controller 180 creates a backup restorationservice having a root authority [S510]. The controller 180 establishes achannel between the created backup restoration service and a backuprestoration application [S520]. The controller 180 activates the backuprestoration application and then performs a backup operation on data[S530]. The controller 180 performs a restoration operation on themobile terminal 100 via the active backup restoration application.

In the following description, based on the flowchart for the backuprestoration method described with reference to FIG. 5, an exampleembodiment of the present invention is explained.

First of all, the controller 180 creates a backup restoration servicehaving a root authority [S510].

Regarding the creation of the backup restoration service, a procedure inan init process is described. In this case, a mode process operating onLinux is created and activated in the init process. According to anexample embodiment of the present invention, a root authority foraccessing detailed application information on each application can beperformed not in an application layer but in a Linux layer. Hence, aprocess for the Linux layer to grant the root authority is required.

Roles played in the init process may be schematically categorized intoinit.rc file analysis and activation, device driver node creation, endprocessing of a detailed process, property service termination and thelike.

In particular, the init.rc file is the filed used in the init processand defines a service and an action. According to an example embodimentof the present invention, in order to grant a root authority to a backuprestoration application, a root authority granted content may be addedto the init.rc file.

The action defined in init.rc may mean such a function automaticallyexecuted in case of an init process activation as export, mkdir and thelike. And, the service defined in init.rc may mean a process executed bythe init process.

According to an example embodiment of the present invention, in order toexecute a backup restoration service having a root authority, a backuprestoration service for a backup restoration application is defined inthe init.rc.

In particular, in order for a backup restoration application to executea backup restoration service having a root authority for a backup, thebackup restoration service is performed in a grammar format as follows.

service linkbackupd/system/xbin/linkbackupd

-   -   socket linkbackup stream 660 root radio    -   user root    -   group root

The above grammar is exemplarily shown to execute a backup restorationservice having a backup root authority. Hence, when the above content isdescribed in the init.rc, the backup restoration service having the rootauthority can be executed or created in the backup restoration processthrough the corresponding content. According to the grammar for thebackup restoration service, each new service is executed. When theservice is executed, a socket is created. And, a channel ofcommunication with an application is established using the createdsocket.

After the backup restoration service has been created, the controller180 establishes a channel between the created backup restoration serviceand the backup restoration application [S520].

Thus, after the backup restoration service having the rot authority hasbeen created via the init process, the socket for the channelestablishment between the backup restoration service and the backuprestoration application is created.

FIG. 6 is a schematic diagram of a process for establishing a channelbetween a backup restoration service and a backup restorationapplication via a socket according to an example embodiment of thepresent invention.

Referring to FIG. 6, init.rc is red via the process of an init process630 [S610]. A backup restoration application 620 is created as describedin the init.rc and a socket is created [S620]. In this case, the socketis a means for connecting communication between the backup restorationservice and a backup restoration application 610. The backup restorationapplication 610 delivers a public key to the backup restoration service620 via the socket [S630]. In response to the delivered public key, thebackup restoration service 620 replies with another public key [S640].Through this procedure, a channel is established between the backuprestoration service and the backup restoration application.

In case that the channel is established between the backup restorationservice and the backup restoration application, as mentioned in theforegoing description, the backup restoration application may be able toaccess a detailed application information on each application and may bethen able to backup and restore the accessed detailed applicationinformation.

After the channel has been established between the backup restorationservice and the backup restoration application, the backup restorationapplication performs a backup operation [S530].

When the backup restoration application is activated, as mentioned inthe foregoing description, it is assumed that the detailed informationsare accessible in a manner of accessing a file system via the backuprestoration service.

The backup restoration application may be able to perform the backupoperation by periods. As mentioned in the foregoing description, thebackup operation may save data related to the terminal 100 in anexternal storage device or the memory 160 of the terminal 100.Optionally, only if a user selects to activate the backup restorationapplication, the backup operation may be performed.

With respect to the backup operation, a user may be able to select atarget to back up. In particular, in case that the backup restorationapplication is activated for a backup operation initiation, all datarelated to the terminal 100 (e.g., applications, detailed applicationinformations, configuration informations, etc.) may be displayable. And,the backup operation may be performed on the data selected from thedisplayed data.

With respect to the backup restoration application, a target not to bebacked up may be managed using a blacklist. For instance, in case thatapplications are usable for a specific terminal type only, even if theapplications are backed up and restored, they may not be correctlyoperable in the restored terminal. This specific data is managed usingthe blacklist and may be selected as an exception of the backup target.And, the blacklist may be saved in the memory 160. The controller 180may be able to automatically determine and manage the data belonging tothe blacklist. Yet, even if the data are managed using the blacklist,summary information on the application corresponding to the blacklistmay be saved.

With respect to the backup restoration application, a target to benecessarily backed up may be managed using a white list. Hence, data(e.g., application, etc.) managed using the white list may beautomatically backed up despite not being selected as a backup target bya user.

After the backup operation has been performed, the backup restorationapplication performs a restoring process [S540].

With respect to the restoring process, the backup restorationapplication may be able to perform the process using the root authorityvia the backup restoration service, if necessary.

FIG. 7 is a flowchart for a detailed case related to a restorationoperation via backup restoration application according to an exampleembodiment of the present invention.

According to an example embodiment of the present invention, performingthe restoring process 5540 may include the sub-operations shown in FIG.7.

Referring to FIG. 7, a backup restoration application performs a basicrestoration operation [S710]. With respect to the basic restorationoperation, the backup restoration application may be able to restoreinformation using a backup restoration service having a root authority.

The backup restoration application may display an indicator windowrelated to the restoration operation [S720]. Thereafter, the backuprestoration application may determine one of the following four cases asa restoration error and may be able to perform a restoration operationon each restoration error. The cases provided as the restoration errorscan be categorized into: 1) a case that a specific application does notexist in a restoring process [S730]; 2) a case that a higher version ofa specific application exists in a restoring process [S740]; 3) a casethat an application of the same version is already installed in arestoring process [S750]; and 4) a case that an application notoperating in a specific terminal exists [S760].

First of all, the indicator window display for the restoring process isdescribed with reference to FIG. 8 as follows.

FIG. 8 is a diagram or displaying an indicator window related to arestoration operation according to an example embodiment of the presentinvention.

Referring to FIG. 8 (a), the display unit 151 may display a window forinquiring a user whether to perform a backup restoration operation. Withrespect to performing the backup restoration operation, the terminal 100may initiate the backup or restoration operation in accordance with aselection made by a user, which depends on the user's selection. And, auser's intention may be queried in association with the user'sselection.

Referring to FIG. 8 (b), the display unit 151 may display an indicatorwindow 820 displayed if the restoration operation is initiated byactivating the backup restoration application.

The indicator window 820 related to the restoration operation maycontinue to be displayed while the restoring process is performed.Alternatively, the indicator window 820 may be displayed only if therestoration operation is completed.

The indicator window 820 may display a restoration result or arestoration status of data which are the restoration targets of thebackup restoration application. For instance, the indicator window 820may indicate such a restoration status as a restoration resultcompletion, a restoration preparation in progress, a restorationfailure, a partial restoration completion, an installation necessity andthe like.

With respect to the indicator window 820 shown in FIG. 8 (b), forexample, a restoring process for an A application 831 is in progress upto 80% and a restoring process for a B application 832 or a Dapplication 834 is completed. Moreover, a C application 833 has failedin restoration. For another example, a case of a restoration preparationin progress or a case of an installation necessity may exist.

If each of a plurality of applications or data displayed on theindicator window 820 is selected, it may be able to display informationon the corresponding application or data. For instance, if an Eapplication 835 displayed on the indicator window 820 is selected, itmay be able to additionally display detailed information indicatingwhich portion of the E application is restored or not.

In the following example embodiments of the present invention, the fourkinds of operations provided as restoration errors are explained indetail with reference to FIGS. 9 to 12.

First of all, in the restoring process, since a terminal environment inthe course of a backup may differ from a terminal environment in thecourse of a restoration, the present invention may be able to performthe following exemplary operations.

First of all, the 1^(st) restoration error, i.e., the case that aspecific application does not exist in a restoring process [S730] isdescribed with reference to FIG. 9 as follows.

In case that a specific application is not installed in the restoringprocess, there is a problem that it is unable to restore detailedapplication information on the specific application. Hence, according toan example embodiment of the present invention, a following procedure isperformed in case that a specific application does not exist in arestoring process.

First of all, the case that a specific application does not exist in arestoring process is described as follows.

FIG. 9 is a diagram for a 1^(st) case of a restoration error occurrenceaccording to an example embodiment of the present invention.

Referring to FIG. 9 (a), in case that a specific application does notexist, the controller 180 may ask a user whether to install thenon-existing specific application via the display unit 151 [S732]. Inparticular, the display unit 151 may query a user's intention via aquery window 910.

The controller 180 checks whether a user's consent to whether to installthe corresponding application via the query window 910 [S734].

Referring to FIG. 9 (b), if the user gives his consent to install thecorresponding application [S736], the backup restoration application maybe able to install the corresponding application downloaded from anexternal server via the wireless communication unit 110. In this case,the external server may mean such a server capable of deliveringapplications as Android™ market and the like.

Meanwhile, if the corresponding application delivered from the externalserver is installed, the backup restoration application may be able torestore detailed application information on the correspondingapplication.

Referring to FIG. 9 (c), if the user selects not to install thecorresponding application [S738], the backup restoration applicationdeletes the information on the corresponding application from thedisplay window 820. Compared to the former display window 820 shown inFIG. 8 (b), the latter display window 820 shown in FIG. 9 (c) displaysthat the F application 837, which needed to be installed, is deleted.

In the following description, the 2^(nd) restoration error, i.e., thecase that a higher version of a specific application exists in arestoring process [S740] is explained with reference to FIG. 10 asfollows.

FIG. 10 is a diagram for a 2^(nd) case of a restoration error occurrenceaccording to an example embodiment of the present invention.

Referring to FIG. 10, if a version of a specific application installedon a terminal in a restoring process is higher than that of a version tobe restored, the backup restoration application may perform thefollowing procedure.

Referring to FIG. 10 (a), if necessary, the backup restorationapplication may indicate that a version of a specific applicationcurrently installed on a terminal is more recent than that of a versionto be restored via a display window 1010.

In this case, since the version currently installed on the terminal is alatest version, the version of the application to be restored is notrestored basically. Yet, in case that the corresponding specificapplication is the application corresponding to a white list, it may behandled in a different manner.

Referring to FIG. 10 (b), the display unit 151 displays a white list1020. In this case, as mentioned in the foregoing description, the whitelist relates to the category of targets that should be backed up in thebackup process and may include the targets that should be restored inthe restoring process as well. In the drawing, the B application maycorrespond to the white list.

Referring to FIG. 10 (c), regarding data or application categorized intothe white list, if a latest version is installed on the terminal, it maybe able to restore detailed application information on the correspondingapplication [S744]. In particular, since a version of the applicationitself is a higher version, it may not be restored. Yet, the detailedapplication information on the application may be restored only if itcorresponds to the white list.

Meanwhile, an application, of which compatibility with a higher versionof an application has been verified, may be set to be registered on thewhite list.

In the following description, the 3^(rd) restoration error, i.e., thecase that an application of the same version is already installed in arestoring process [S750] is described with reference to FIG. 11 asfollows.

In the corresponding restoring process, if the same version of the sameapplication is already installed on the terminal 100, it may beunnecessary to perform a process for re-installing the correspondingapplication. Hence, in this case, it may be requested to only determinewhether to restore detailed application information on the correspondingapplication.

FIG. 11 is a diagram for a 3rd case of a restoration error occurrenceaccording to an example embodiment of the present invention.

Referring to FIG. 11 (a), the backup restoration application may be ableto indicate that the same application of the same version is alreadyinstalled on the terminal via the display unit 151.

In this case, the backup restoration application may be able to restoredetailed application information on the corresponding application onlyand may be able to ask a user about this restoring process. Referring toFIG. 11 (b), a user is asked about whether to overwrite detailedapplication information. Only if the user selects ‘yes’, the detailedapplication information can be restored in the terminal via theoverwriting.

Finally, the 4^(th) restoration error, i.e., the case that anapplication not operating in a specific terminal exists [S760] isdescribed with reference to FIG. 12 as follows.

First of all, in case of perform backup and restoration on data of aterminal, an application normally operating in the terminal before thebackup may not operate in the terminal after the restoration. Forinstance, despite the same terminal, an application may not operatenormally if there is a version change of an operating system or aversion change of the application. Moreover, if data of a specificterminal is attempted to be restored in a different terminal, thecorresponding application may not operate normally. For detailedexample, if an application is locked with application DRM (digitalrights management), it may not operate in a different terminal.

Therefore, according to an example embodiment of the present invention,it may be able to manage an application, which may not operate in aspecific terminal, using a blacklist. As mentioned in the foregoingdescription, the blacklist may mean a list of applications or datasupposed not to be backed up to a specific terminal in the course of abackup restoration process. Hence, the backup restoration applicationdoes not regard applications corresponding to the blacklist as targetsfor backup or restoration.

Thus, a list of applications belonging to a blacklist may be backed upby a backup restoration application, whereas an application operating ina specific terminal only is managed via the blacklist. Therefore,according to an example embodiment of the present invention, anapplication may be directly received from an external server based onthis list. In particular, when applications belonging to a blacklist areexactly restored in the terminal, they do not operate due to DRM and thelike. Yet, application versions usable for the corresponding terminalmay be received from an external server (e.g., market, etc.) based on alist of the applications belonging to the blacklist.

FIG. 12 is a diagram for a 4^(th) case of a restoration error occurrenceaccording to an example embodiment of the present invention.

Referring to FIG. 12 (a), an F application 1212, a calendar app 1214 anda rich note app 1216 are displayed as applications managed via ablacklist by a backup restoration application.

Referring to FIG. 12 (b), a display window 1220 may be used to indicatethat applications belonging to the blacklist are not backed up and thata summary list of the applications belonging to the blacklist is backedup.

Referring to FIG. 12 (c), it may be able to indicate that versions ofthe applications belonging to the blacklist, which are suitable for thecorresponding terminal, are being received from an external server(e.g., market, etc.) based on the summary list.

Through this process, when an application is usable for a specificterminal only due to DRM and the like, if an application suitable for arestored terminal exist in an external server (e.g., market, etc.),restoration can be performed in a manner of receiving the correspondingapplication from the external server.

Meanwhile, the above-described methods can be implemented in a programrecorded medium as processor-readable codes. Processor-readable mediainclude ROM, RAM, CD-ROM, magnetic tapes, floppy discs, optical datastorage devices, and the like for example and also include carrier-wavetype implementations (e.g., transmission via Internet).

The aforementioned example embodiments of the mobile terminal areachieved by combination of structural elements and features of thepresent invention in a predetermined type. Each of the structuralelements or features should be considered selectively unless specifiedseparately. Each of the structural elements or features may be carriedout without being combined with other structural elements or features.Also, some structural elements and/or features may be combined with oneanother to constitute the embodiments of the present invention.

Accordingly, various example embodiments of the present inventiondescribed herein may enable an access to detailed information on anapplication previously inaccessible, thereby providing an optimal effectin backing up and restoring a terminal. Further, the present inventionaccording to the above described example embodiments may solve a problemof restoration error due to an environment or configuration differencebetween a restoration target terminal and a backup target terminal.

It will be apparent to those skilled in the art that variousmodifications and variations can be made in the example embodiments ofthe present invention described herein and exemplified in the drawingswithout departing from the spirit or scope of the invention. Thus, it isintended that the present invention covers the modifications andvariations of this invention provided they come within the scope of theappended claims and their equivalents.

What is claimed is:
 1. A method of controlling a mobile terminal, themethod comprising: backing up an application and detailed applicationinformation of the application stored in a backup target terminal;restoring the detailed application information other than theapplication to the restoration target terminal when a same version ofthe application is already installed on the restoration target terminal;and restoring the detailed application information other than theapplication to the restoration target terminal when the application isregistered to a white list and when a higher version of the applicationis already installed on the restoration target terminal.
 2. The methodof claim 1, further comprising displaying an indicator window configuredto indicate a process of a restoration operation.
 3. The method of claim1, wherein if the application is not installed on the restoration targetterminal when the restoration target terminal is supposed to restore thedetailed application information, the method further comprises:installing the application on the restoration target terminal bydownloading the application from an external server, and then restoringthe detailed application information of the application on therestoration target terminal.
 4. The method of claim 1, wherein if theapplication is incompatible with the restoration target terminal, themethod further comprises registering the application to a blacklist. 5.The method of claim 4, wherein when the application is registered to theblacklist, the method further comprises: backing up abstract informationof the application is backed up, and downloading a compatible version ofthe application to the restoration target terminal from an externalserver using the abstract information of the application.
 6. The methodof claim 1, wherein the restoration target terminal is identical to thebackup target terminal.
 7. The method of claim 1, wherein therestoration target terminal is configured to operate by a same operatingsystem of a version different from a version of the backup targetterminal.
 8. The method of claim 1, wherein the restoration targetterminal is different from the backup target terminal.
 9. A mobileterminal set as a restoration target, the mobile terminal comprising: awireless communication unit configured to receive backup information ofan application and detailed application information of the application;and a controller configured to: restore the detailed applicationinformation other than the application to the restoration targetterminal when a same version of the application is already installed onthe restoration target terminal; and restore the detailed applicationinformation other than the application to the restoration targetterminal when the application is registered to a white list and when ahigher version of the application is already installed on therestoration target terminal.
 10. The mobile terminal of claim 9, furthercomprising a display, wherein the controller is further configured tocause the display to display an indicator window configured to indicatea process of a restoration operation.
 11. The mobile terminal of claim9, wherein if the application is not installed on the mobile terminalwhen the mobile terminal is supposed to restore the detailed applicationinformation, the controller is further configured to: install theapplication by downloading the application from an external server; andthen restore the detailed application information of the application.12. The mobile terminal of claim 9, wherein if the application isincompatible with the mobile terminal, the controller is furtherconfigured to: register the application to a blacklist; and install acompatible version of the application by downloading the applicationfrom an external server.